Along with regular brushing and flossing, dentists urge their patients to consider their diets as part of maintaining positive dental habits. The foods you eat can impact your oral health, both positively and negatively, which is why you want to make the right decisions about your diet. Below are a few common foods that can lead to discoloration. 

What Foods Can Stain Teeth?

Berries

Berries are great for your health, but they pack a lot of dark pigment and are also acidic. Acids damage tooth enamel and make teeth more susceptible to staining. If you’re concerned about discoloration, dentists recommend sticking with lighter fruits and rinsing after eating anything acidic. 

Coffee & Tea

Coffee and tea both contain tannins or organic plant compounds that are known to contribute to staining. Black tea and coffee have the worst effect on teeth, but luckily adding a bit of cream can preserve your smile. You can also use a straw when drinking these beverages to limit contact with your enamel. 

Red Wine

Red wine also contains tannins. Coupled with its deep color, red wine can cause deep staining over time. White wine is a better alternative, though it’s still highly acidic. You can also try rinsing after drinking red wine, which will prevent the liquid from clinging to the teeth. 

Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is a common component of popular Italian fare, like pasta and pizza. Because of its bright color and high acid content, tomato sauce is a well-known staining agent. You can mitigate the staining effects by pairing tomatoes with leafy green vegetables, however. Chewing spinach and kale creates a protective film over teeth, which mitigates the discoloring effects. 

If you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth, turn to dentist Dr. Richard Wells Mittelstadt for help. Located in Anchorage, AK, this general dentistry practice offers a variety of services to keep your smile looking its best. Teeth cleanings remove hard to reach plaque and bacteria, while teeth whitening gets rid of surface stains caused by diet. This dentist also offers tooth extractions, crowns, bridges, and dentures. Schedule an appointment for an oral exam by calling (907) 272-9214.